New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson sits on the bench during a summer league game against the Washington Wizards on July 6, 2019.

David Becker/The Associated Press

Nike Inc. has signed Zion Williamson, the No. 1 NBA draft pick and rising 19-year-old basketball star, to its Jordan brand, the world’s largest sportswear maker said on Tuesday.

Williamson, the reigning college basketball player of the year, dominated in his only season at Duke University by breaking several school records, including most 25-point games by a freshman.

The New Orleans Pelicans signed Williamson after picking him first overall in the National Basketball Association draft.

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Williamson, who has drawn comparisons to former NBA great and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, is known for his athleticism.

With his uncommon blend of leaping ability and wide, muscular build, Williamson churned out a string of highlight plays in his lone season at Duke, including 360-degree slam dunks, towering rebounds and stunning blocked shots.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by Nike. Its shares rose 1 per cent to US$86.81.

The 6-foot-7-inch 285-pound forward was involved in a social-media storm earlier this year after a Nike sneaker he was wearing split during a game, causing him to suffer a mild knee sprain. Nike apologized for the malfunction.

Former U.S. president Barack Obama was in attendance at that game in February against Duke rival University of North Carolina, and later wished Williamson a speedy recovery in a tweet.

Willamson’s signing with Nike comes as no surprise, given the loyalty and reputation the company has in the basketball community, Jane Hali & Associates analyst Jessica Ramirez said.

“His signing with Jordan just proves how important the brand is becoming for Nike as they continue to revive it,” she added.

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